Osteria Ilaria image

Osteria Ilaria

Restaurant Meal takeaway Italian restaurant

👍👍 Fantastic restaurant. It was our first time here trying their chef selection menu. The quality of pasta is great and the sauce is rich with layers of flavors. We were really impressed by their dessert. The chef brilliantly blended olive flavor gelato (which we never imagined would be delicious) with... People often mention menu, service, experience, great, good, pasta, delicious, dishes, restaurant, dish,


Address

367 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Website

www.osteriailaria.com

Contact

+61 3 9642 2287

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 12 to 10 PM
  • Friday: 12 to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 10 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 12 to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 12 to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 12 to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: menu (43) service (39) experience (32) great (31) good (31) pasta (30) delicious (30) dishes (30) restaurant (25) dish (24)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Charles S. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic restaurant. It was our first time here trying their chef selection menu. The quality of pasta is great and the sauce is rich with layers of flavors. We were really impressed by their dessert. The chef brilliantly blended olive flavor gelato (which we never imagined would be delicious) with chocolate brownie. The savory yet sweet combination is not only a visual treat but a great highlight to finish the feast with. We will definitely come back again.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 henry - (. 2 years ago on Google
    The staff who serve the foods he is so friendly and nice. it was hard to chose menu, but they are patient and recommending well. all the foods I really liked it especially paste is one of my favourite in this restaurant. I'm lucky to find Osteria Ilaria. Located in CBD, reasonable price. Definitely want to visit again .
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Whitney 8 months ago on Google
    Flavours of all the dishes were very good and service was friendly and attentive. Whilst all the dishes were very tasty, the slight let down was the cooking of some of the dishes. The quail carrot honey starter was a bit over. It had a nice chat but sacrificed the texture of the quail in the dish as it was very chewy and not succulent. The duck main was also a bit chewy, it looked pink but the texture wasn’t very tender. The red mullet spaghetti was good but the fish fillet on top didn’t really add anything to the dish. Over all still an amazing place for dinner. The truffle special dessert was delicious. As were the croquettes and the scallop artichoke starters 👌
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gabriel R. 1 month ago on Google • 393 reviews New
    I might not have had the chance to try a lot of choices on the menu, but was in love with what I ordered. There are a lot of different starters/appetizers/side plates and main plates. I mean it’s nice, but I don’t feel you need that much. I took a very fresh salad with a blood orange vinegrette as a side and a main plate of lamb backstap. There is nothing the chef could have done better. Super tender and perfectly seasoned. I didn’t even feel like I had space for dessert, but I’m sure it would have been amazing. I choose this restaurant because of the reviews and I’m adding one more because I confirm it is that good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon 2 months ago on Google • 303 reviews New
    I've been looking for a good italian restaurant with good pasta and things other than just pizza. This place went beyond my expectations. Every dish was outstanding! The servers were very nice as well. I want to try their other restaurant as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan Z. 3 months ago on Google • 42 reviews New
    Starting the evening with the Mushroom Croquette was a lovely choice—the earthy aroma of the mushrooms set a comforting tone. The Abalone was wonderfully tender, and the sauce highlighted its natural sweetness without overpowering it. Moving on to the Quail, it was beautifully char-grilled, maintaining its juiciness and succulence. The burnt honey sauce was a perfect match, and we couldn't resist indulging in two servings! Finally, the Parmesan Gelato was a unique experience, adding an unexpected twist to the meal.Though the mains didn't stand out as distinctly as the earlier dishes, the overall dining experience remained thoroughly delightful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simone 4 years ago on Google
    Officially one of my favourite Italian restaurants. Food was exceptional. Wine was over priced - stick to the cocktails next time. Wait staff attentive, friendly and had good knowledge of the menu.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen L. 5 years ago on Google
    This Italian restaurant in Melbourne is a gem. The share plate style dishes are excellent. Special mention to the pasta, so many levels of flavours and is a surprise. The grilled octopus with the sauce is a great combination. The atmosphere is hip and the service is fantastic. Will definitely come back and try the other dishes.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon M. 2 years ago on Google
    First time here and had a great time, jam packed full of people being the first day out of lockdown but the staff all handled it like champs! The food was outstanding, tasty mushroom croquettes, whipped rainbow trout, tender beef carpaccio..... cant wait to head back and try some more.. washed it all down with a Spanish Grenache from Rioja, full bodied and delicous, one of the best and most extensive Wine lists i've seen in Melbourne, can search out some unique gems in this one. Great experience all round!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miles D. 2 years ago on Google
    This was such a good find by one of my friends and I am really glad I got to experience the food and wine here. Osteria Ilaria is not a super expensive restaurant but it definitely can be if you want it to be. It is this sort of juxtaposition that really sets me up to love a restaurant. It is located in the CBD so super easy to get to, the interior is well decorated and quite intimate, but they have done a great job at making a small space feel big. The food was obviously the highlight of the night. I liked that all the food was pretty normal things you could find but with the addition of a couple of special flares. The drinks were also good and the pouring size was generous. We were served by a lovely person who had a bit of a chat with us about politics and was very bubbly. I did not get their name to write it in here but they really added to the night. I certainly want to go back to Osteria Ilaria, maybe with a bigger group on a Friday or Saturday. Maybe for a lowkey dinner after work during the week, who knows. I would like to add that I religiously avoid dishes with duck in them, but I had the duck pasta as it was ordered by the table and it was beyond delicious. So if it is there when you go, I would be ordering that. 5/5
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcus L. 5 months ago on Google
    Osteria Ilaria is undeniably one of my favourites whenever I visit Melbourne. The restaurant effortlessly combines a contemporary dining atmosphere with a genuine passion for Italian cuisine. Every visit is a culinary journey, filled with dishes that are not just delicious but also artistically presented. The balance of traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist is simply impeccable. The staff's knowledge and enthusiasm for the food and wine selections only add to the overall charm of Osteria Ilaria, making it a must-visit destination in Melbourne's vibrant culinary scene.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Anh T. 3 months ago on Google New
    I was very excited about this meal because of all the good reviews. However the dishes in chef selection menu were quite underwhelming. Except the main which are steak and potato, other dishes were quite average to us, maybe you should order other dishes instead.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Suraj K. 4 years ago on Google
    Presentation and atmosphere was nice. Luckily we got a table right away, staff were friendly but seemed rushed. That’s where the positive experience stops. The tastiest thing here was probably the complimentary bread. Octopus was dry, the crisp polenta was far from crisp and the fish seems to lack freshness and was quite bland. The pasta just wasn’t working out, seems undercooked.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Warren Tate Speaker C. 4 years ago on Google
    Sister to Tipo 00 so big shoes to fill and they met the expectations. The service was friendly and helpful on a busy night. We were surprised at the yummy yet small menu however the specials grabbed our attention. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the flavours simply delicious. Definitely visit when in the CBD.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacey Y. 2 years ago on Google
    I cannot fault my dining experience at Osteria Ilaria in any way. The truffle special was one of the best dishes I've had in a long time . Our waitress was also incredibly welcoming and attentive. Will definitely be returning to try other items on the menu!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stephanie K. 2 years ago on Google
    We came to Osteria because we've tried nearly everything at Tipo00's (their sister restaurant) We thought it'll be hard to beat Tipo so coming here, we lowered our expectations. 1. Whipped rainbow trout with Brussels sprouts and macadamia (yumm w/ all those textures) 10/10 2. Moreton bay bug on arrabbiat (pasta) (the bug was very meaty and well cooked) I would've liked a lot more sauce 9/10 3. Mushroom croquettes .. far out ! Take my money :P 9/10 -1 star because the waiter forgot one of the main orders (very nice and apologetic about it though) and the caramel dough ice cream sandwich was very underwhelming (lacking in flavour) I don't think they should call it a sandwich if it's such a small piece of toast and caramel ice cream was "meh"... nice plating though! We wanted to leave on a high note so we ordered the pannacotta which was light and refreshing. In comparison to Tipo00, I would go to Tipo00 for pasta and desserts and Osteria for everything else.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ian W. 2 years ago on Google
    UPMARKET RESTAURANT / BAR IN CBD nice ambience and interesting menu that comprises mainly small shared dishes (tapas style) Our group of six chose the $90/head chefs selection menu. The two hour time limit for table is a bit tight for anyone wanting to enjoy the extensive wine list or linger over dessert and coffee. Staff are attentive but some people may find them a bit snooty or aloof. Venue would be a bit tricky for people with mobility issues as the seating is fairly tight.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chloe C. 2 years ago on Google
    The best Italian i’ve ever had in Melbourne! Couldn’t have been more impressed with the food and service. Staff were so attentive and helpful, ambiance of the restaurant was great. So glad we chose to dine here on our anniversary! Everything right down to the complimentary bread rolls and infused butter was phenomenal. Could not recommend this restaurant more! 📸 kingfish crudo, lemon balm, salted cucumber: very fresh kingfish, the roe was mind blowing - super flavourful and refreshing dish. 📸 beef sirloin carpaccio, bay leaf ricotta, beetroot: the best dish we had that night! The beef just melts in your mouth and the slight saltiness of the ricotta was perfectly paired with the sweet beetroot. Truly magical! 📸 spaghetti, king george whiting, koji, sardine: spaghetti was cooked to the perfect al dente! sauce was a little bland but the whiting was so perfectly charred, very smokey while flesh was still juicy. 📸 rigatoni, duck ragu, nettle: rigatoni was beautiful! Sauce was so tasty and it came with a heap of duck! Flavour profile was so sophisticated. Cannot wait to be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anya Boediman- S. 2 years ago on Google
    First time at this restaurant and everything was perfect. The experience partnered with the food and drinks was just amazing. Ask for their specials as it’s not on the menu. Would definitely come back again. The mushroom croquettes are a must try.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia L. 2 years ago on Google
    Words cannot describe. 1000/10. This place is beyond divine. Best meal in Melbourne. Of course do the chefs selection, 10 dishes over 2 hours. Dishes comes out excellently spaced. Friendly staff. Excellent drinks list. Delicious cocktails. Will be dreaming of the spaghetti and king George whiting dish. Thank you!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eva 1 year ago on Google
    Impeccable service! We loved our waiter! He was great and always checking in on us, he recommended two amazingly well cooked pastas, the game and the calamari, I personally loved the game pasta! So flavorful and delicious, texture was so wonderful! The octopus was also quite delicious, and the potato tart was surprisingly yummy with the spicy kick!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian C. 1 year ago on Google
    First time visited Melbourne, so many places to choose from. Decided to try this place out after reading the reviews. Definitely didn't disappoint. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful throughout the course of dinner. The food were great and so were the drinks. If your looking for a place to try something different but still traditional this place hit the spot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Celine E. 9 months ago on Google
    Love the Foods & service. Ordered the famous mushroom croquettes, special menu (pasta with truffle), and their steaks. Super recommended
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cherie L. 1 year ago on Google
    Came for a long lunch with my husband and sat at the kitchen bar to watch the chefs work their magic. Started with cocktails which were juicy and refreshing. The food was refined, delicious and decently portioned. Our service was oustanding - our server suggested wines to pair with each course and digestifs at the end. Overall had a very enjoyable experience and would 10/10 recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael A. 9 months ago on Google
    We really enjoyed it here, relaxed atmosphere, not rushed and quality dishes. Our favourites were 1. Porcini mushroom croquette - flavour hits after a little while and it’s delicious! 2. Stracciatella, mandarin, pistachio, rocket - perfectly balanced 3. Scallops were perfectly cooked and had a slightly sweeter taste 4. Sher wagyu rump cap - can’t go wrong The dessert was the only downside, tasted good but just a little too savoury in flavour for us
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Joie L. 9 months ago on Google
    Service great, sommelier was hilarious although none of the three wine recommendations met the requested profile. 🌟Recommend 🌟 - truffle tagliatelle $55, sher wagyu $70, duck breast $52. The scarpinocc $39 would have been better if it was cooked a minute longer. ❌️Forget❌️ - spanner crab (salsify removed any taste of the crab) $14, snapper crudo (horseradish overtook the flavour of the fish) $25. $650 between 4 people / 3 wines / 11 plates
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susie G. 8 months ago on Google
    The dining experience at Osteria Ilaria is a special one. Staff were incredible with their service, had extensive knowledge of the menu and wine lists. The meals were extraordinary, beautifully balanced and full of flavour. We will definitely be visiting again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith C. 3 months ago on Google New
    Absolutely fantastic modern Italian cuisine restaurant in Melbourne cbd. Every dish we ordered was delicious and cooked very well from the starters to the entrees, sharing plates and to the mains. The highlights were the yellow fin tuna starter, pork rabbit ragu, squid ink pasta, lamb backstrap and the 500g rib eye steak special. The steak and lamb were cooked perfectly medium rare. Every mouthful was full of flavor and a delight to eat. Portion was just enough too and the service was great. We left very satisfied and would highly recommend eating here if anyone’s looking for good Italian food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carol M. 2 months ago on Google • 46 reviews New
    The chefs at this restaurant pride themselves on creating handcrafted, made-to-order dishes for their clients. Diners can watch as their food is cooked in an open kitchen, adding to the overall dining experience. The menu boasts an amazing combination of Australian flavors, with options for every palate. To top it off, the restaurant offers a good selection of wines and cocktails at reasonable prices. The service is also known to be top-notch, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal. If you would like to have more tips like this please follow me in insta @travelwithmytips

  • 5/5 David U. 5 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Fantastic dining experience from all the staff. The service was smooth and attentive while the food was sophisticated and delicious. A great place to spoil yourself. We had the set menu and everything was executed perfectly.

  • 5/5 Jo J. 3 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Best dining experience in 2023. I can see how kitchen team afford hard to make great foods here. Highly recommended, we will come back again.(Jerusalem artichoke and pickled radicchio was the best dish even vegetarian👍👍👍)

  • 5/5 William C. 5 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    Had the pleasure of visiting Osteria Ilaria recently for dinner. The food was fantastic, with the dessert being a minor letdown for me. It was good but didn't leave a lasting impression, unlike the other savoury dishes. The service was also very good. The waiters were attentive and answered our questions about the menu. We sat at the bar table. It was enjoyable to see the kitchen staff preparing all the dishes.

  • 5/5 Nelson M. 3 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    Experienced the friendliest of service in this restaurant. Celebrated our anniversary and the food, the service and overall experience was exemplary. Highly recommend and we already are planning a revisit. Thank you for making our night special.

  • 5/5 Dan V. 4 years ago on Google
    Great staff! Very attentive and helped navigate the menu. Huge wine selection and some good beers. The rabbit pasta was delicious and the octopus was also good. They do it right!

  • 5/5 Theodoric W. 4 years ago on Google
    Modern Italian food. A full wine list as well as degustation menu is offered. The wagyu beef was excellent with it being so tender that it cut like butter. The octopus was also tasty although was a little oily. Intimate atmosphere.

  • 5/5 jimmy g. 3 years ago on Google
    I highly recommend doing the chef's tasting menu. Just sit back and be pleasantly surprised by the various dishes that just comes out. They brought out 3 appetizers (fried blossom, yellow-tail carpaccio, burrata), home-made pasta with shrimp, octopus, and grilled pork chop with roasted eggplant side dish. Everything was super fresh and executed perfectly.

  • 4/5 Minfang f. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice service and good atmosphere The fish is really great and amazing. The skin is crispy and the inside is not dry at all and very soft. The source also really matches with the fish. However, the texture of the pasta is too hard but the source is nice. Besides, the seasoning of the mix salad is a little bit too strong. The waiting time for dishes was too long. Despite that, we ordered food at 9pm which can be said it is not during a busy time, we waited for about 30 minutes.

  • 4/5 Alice A. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious food but would have been nice if there were whole prawns in my pasta dish rather than small slices. Other than that, an overall pleasant experience.

  • 5/5 Gareth C. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved our valentines day dinner here with a beautiful set menu and a glass of complementary champagne. Everything was cooked to perfection and the setting was dim and romantic.

  • 5/5 Deswaqr K. 3 years ago on Google
    Six of us were accommodated in the duff duff free back room. We selected from the two course $40 luncheon menu. The crew were terrific and able to substitute the salty anchovy sauce with a basil emulsion, and were unfazed with a request or two entrees. The wine by the glass list was terrific. Recommend.

  • 5/5 claire r. 3 years ago on Google
    I had a birthday lunch with family. Delicious food cooked to perfection & served by informative staff member. Had cocktails, several share plates enjoyed every portion. Recommend highly. Because of Covid19 restrictions only four patrons at each table.

  • 3/5 Yolla P. 3 years ago on Google
    Had dinner with a friend here, the porcini croquette is great but too salty, pappardelle pasta was undercooked, the roasted pumpkin is bland, the king fish is alright but nothing special. For dessert we had the coconut pannacotta, taste good and light. Overall, not really worth the price.

  • 4/5 Lizzy G. 3 years ago on Google
    The chicken on the new menu is divine! Also recommend the crab pasta and the porcini croquettes.

  • 1/5 binod s. 3 years ago on Google
    One star for the customer service. Not worth going there.

  • 1/5 Rupert g. 3 years ago on Google
    Good waitress bad owner.

  • 5/5 Hardingferrent S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) REALLY LIKE. cool place and even though it's a bit expensive for pockets of jakarta people (Original) SUKA BANGET. tempat keren dan meski agak mahal untuk kantong orang jakarta

  • 5/5 darnell m. 4 years ago on Google
    Best dinner we had in Australia . Made a reservation after reading rave reviews and we were not disappointed. Hip restaurant with open kitchen, attentive and professional service . We had the mushroom croquette , zucchini flowers, gnocchi and red snapper . All very delicious with interesting , flavorful sauces . The food, staff and ambience...all great. we went here for my bday dinner with a local. we could not have asked for a better meal. a few in our party were vegetarian and the food did not disappoint. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Robert C. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing food here

  • 4/5 Ben R. 4 years ago on Google
    Good quality good for decent price. Good business lunch venue.

  • 5/5 Sam W. 4 years ago on Google
    Yum! Great value, clean, delicious food. King fish and the broccoli is our hot tip!

  • 4/5 Tack S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place and very popular. Food came out quickly and was yum.

  • 5/5 WS W. 4 years ago on Google
    high quality of food, cant complain the price, because it's all worth it. Would defo come again all the way from Hong Kong just for that.

  • 5/5 Pedro P. 4 years ago on Google
    Chef's menu was great for $80. Great experience

  • 4/5 Andrew F. 4 years ago on Google
    Food tasted pretty good. Was a tad on the pricey side though

  • 5/5 Alexia D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great service. The menu is amazing too, special mention to all the wines they have, such a good selection. Perfect for a date night. I’ll recommend doing the chef selection menu.

  • 4/5 Giulia P. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and atmosphere. Only negative comment would be portions too small and tables to close to each other... overall very nice service and high quality food!

  • 5/5 Adrian Di V. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience! Reluctantly got swayed into the $80 chef selection menu, and WOW what a surprise! Food was plentiful and delicious. Would definitely go back! Well done!

  • 5/5 Kristina W. 4 years ago on Google
    Six of us were accommodated in the duff duff free back room. We selected from the two course $40 luncheon menu. The crew were terrific and able to substitute the salty anchovy sauce with a basil emulsion, and were unfazed with a request or two entrees. The wine by the glass list was terrific. Recommend.

  • 5/5 Bryce W. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing octopus, croquettes, and wine. Everything else is great too.

  • 5/5 Daniel O. 4 years ago on Google
    Got 1 drink and was immediately intimidated by the menu

  • 3/5 Anna 4 years ago on Google
    Pastas were too salty...

  • 5/5 James E. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent experience and A+ service. Food was delicious and wine was too. Sit at the bar and watch it all go down.

  • 5/5 Ben D. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic food and great service. The paccheri pasta dish and tagliatelle dish with rabbit sausage were amazing!

  • 5/5 Brenda C. 4 years ago on Google
    The pasta here is perfect. Would definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Peter T. 4 years ago on Google
    Pasta cooked perfectly, one of the best we've had in a while. Price is surprisingly decent, compared to many other pasta places back home in Sydney. Will recommend to others.

  • 5/5 Jin 4 years ago on Google
    Truth be told, we couldn’t to get a table at its sister restaurant Tipo 00 next door and was recommended to give Osteria Ilaria a try. After all, its the same chef. Less pasta focused (though we did have the pastas on offer) and more a balanced menu lead us to culinary delights. We were not disappointed from the excellent service, to the extensive wine list, to the menu on offer. Each dish well prepared with its core ingredients and cooked to perfection. Recommend the mushroom croquettes as an amuse bouche, the octopus to get things going and the paccari (tube pasta) with prawns as a main. One to try in Melbourne.

  • 5/5 Boris P. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome service and food

  • 1/5 chao l. 4 years ago on Google
    the fish is so salty. and wait forever.

  • 5/5 Darren H. 4 years ago on Google
    Brilliant modern dining, everything was perfect!

  • 5/5 Michael E. 4 years ago on Google
    Came for a birthday dinner and had a lovely time, food was exceptional as recommended to us by friends.

  • 5/5 Ritwick B. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome food and service

  • 5/5 Shah A. 4 years ago on Google
    Good vibe, friendly service and delicious food

  • 5/5 Nigel 4 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed the chef's menu, was exceptional quality food & service was top notch with the Octopus and Sher Wagyu been the standouts

  • 4/5 Ian C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food and great ambiance

  • 4/5 Gaumzi 2 years ago on Google
    Their croquettes were the best and the complementary bread was so moist. Pasta was delicious! Pity we didn't have any space for dessert. Overall, the experience was quite satisfactory.

  • 5/5 Hello. i. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best meal I've had in some time. The service was exceptional from start to end, and I couldn't fault any of the dishes. We went for the Chef's Menu with a few add on, and we left with our tummy filled to the brim. The spanner crab on toasted brioche was a textural delight, and bursting with fresh and bright flavours. Pasta was cooked to perfection, and the simple heirloom tomatoes tasted like summer in a dish. Definitely a must visit.

  • 5/5 Nick C. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here for the wife’s birthday celebration - we left happy diners! Some of the dishes were average (the appetizers) but the mains were amazing! Especially the bugs - highly recommend. Service was also great, they even did a kid’s pasta for my older daughter even though it was off the menu. Would return for sure!

  • 5/5 英雄百姓 2 years ago on Google
    Best dining experience in Melbourne. Food is amazing and service is so good. Very special and interesting experience seating along the bar. Chefs are handsome and super friendly!

  • 5/5 Maria S. 2 years ago on Google
    We celebrated our 29th Wedding Anniversay at Osteria Ilaria on 19 April 2021 and the food, service and venue were outstanding. The menu is beautiful and very eclectic! There is a very extensive wine list, but not overwhelming. The Chef was very engaging and even served us to our table. We will definitely be back, this place is truly special.

  • 4/5 Ryan W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for a small dinner, portions were quite small and wouldn't recommend for 4+ people if you want to have conversations with everyone. Food was great and presented well. Great selection of whisky. I don't have any photos because inside lighting is a little dull.

  • 5/5 Olivia S. 2 years ago on Google
    Osteria Ilaria never fails to produce a delicious and flavoursome menu. Each dish is joyous to eat. The venue has a great buzzing vibe and it is a treat to be able to see the kitchen prepare food that depicts modern Italian cuisine. This place is an all time favourite; a place my family and I have been to on a number of occasions. I will definitely be back!

  • 5/5 Swapnali T. 2 years ago on Google
    Me and my partner went to Osteria Ilaria for my birthday. We had a really amazing time, the staff was polite and the food was delicious. We opted for the chefs selection menu as it was our first visit. The five course meal exceeded our expectations. They even got me a birthday candle with the dessert. Would definitely recommend it!

  • 5/5 Christopher P. 2 years ago on Google
    Been here many times and it's always amazing. Service is great and food is fantastic. Well worth the spend!

  • 5/5 Christine S. 2 years ago on Google
    Literally so delicious. My go to fancy Italian. Have eaten here countless times and there is nothing that ever disappoints. The staff are all so friendly and accommodating and very knowledgeable about the cuisine. A superb culinary experience.

  • 3/5 Hemang S. 2 years ago on Google
    Good potential. The service was disappointing - difficult to order drinks, difficult to order food (even after prompting one staff that we wanted to order) and we generally were not catered for (not even a simple goodbye on exit). Seemed sufficiently staffed despite lower covid staffing levels - perhaps an off night, but expect more at this price bracket. Porcini mushroom croquettes and main courses were excellent (duck ragu and smoked risotto were standouts). The prawn entree was too small ($10 per prawn) and the yellowfin tuna crudo lacked flavour. Shame because it has a great private dining area at the back which would be nice for corporate dinners.

  • 5/5 Sonia C. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful food with interesting but delicious flavour combos, chefs selection was so worth it being our first visit! Wine and cocktails were delicious too, and the staff were so lovely and helpful! Definitely recommend to anyone looking to treat themselves for a special occasion dinner

  • 5/5 Durdashi N. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was so good and we loved the open kitchen. We also had some cocktails which were all yum. Our table was near a speaker so it was a bit loud and we couldn't hear each other talk very well and service was alright.

  • 5/5 Faa P. 2 years ago on Google
    🥩 beef sirloin carpaccio 🌾 risotto 🐟 murray cod 🍄 porcini mushroom croquette 🪱 smoked eel tonnata 🏠: @osteriailaria 📍: Little Bourke St, CBD 📝: First time trying Osteria Illaria, Tipo00’s sister restaurant. Surprisingly, I love Osteria much more. Every dish we got was absolutely delicious 😍, super impressed! ❤️: Lots of delicious food, my top favorite is the risotto. Please don’t kill me but I forgot what the name was!! I never had a risotto quite like it! Would definitely recommend it. Also loved the beed sirloin carpaccio, bay leaf ricotta, beetroot. It was so delicious with all the flavors combined, especially the refreshingness of the beetroot.

  • 4/5 Marlon 1 year ago on Google
    Great restaurant and delicious food with amazing atmosphere. Our waitress was absolutely amazing and attentive. Presentation, portions and variety were on point with very unique touches. Well done to the chefs. However, my only request was not attended nor communicated to me advising that they are unable to do it, and I was looking forward to it the entire time. It was our 10th anniversary and unfortunately, that moment is just gone.

  • 4/5 Kristine S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing customer service! Our waiter was so attentive and friendly 🥰 this place has great atmosphere and great food! Our favourites are the mushroom croquettes and kingfish pasta. Those two were so delicious

  • 4/5 Teck Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing and delicious. Second time coming here and it was just as good as the first time round. Loved the dishes being offered and the selection of dishes to choose from. Favourite dish of the lunch was the spanner crab pasta.

  • 5/5 Cassy T. 1 year ago on Google
    Did the chef's tasting menu with matching wine. Food was exquisite and wines matched perfectly. Was sat at the bar/kitchen dining area and got to watch the chef's make all the amazing food and admire the effort, passion and care for each dish.

  • 5/5 Sinta M. 1 year ago on Google
    Really amazed with the service here. Every staffs pay attention well to their customer and they always make sure to explain the food and check on us. The highlight for me was the steak which was surprisingly a high quality, cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Did not expect it cause I came here for the pasta but overall everything has a balanced taste and really enjoyed the experience. Would definitely come back!

  • 5/5 Yasmine C. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a great dinner at Osteria Ilaria! A smaller menu, with dishes designed for sharing - perfect for a date night. Definitely get the mushroom croquette and the pappardelle!! Although every dish we tried was very tasty. Great service too, with good recommendations on both the food & wine list. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Melbourne!

  • 5/5 Paula E. 11 months ago on Google
    Exceptional foodie experience.We sat at the bar and felt like it was front row on an amazing cooking show, yet still calm and a nice temperature. Staff were wonderful; chatty and informative yet discreet. Not a cheap meal but a memorable and exquisite dining experience we'll never forgot, and highly recommend it.

  • 3/5 I T. 10 months ago on Google
    Abit too pricey for the portion given. Taste is alright but don’t feel that it’s worth the price. Place is more suitable for casual drinking and light bites. Do not recommend for proper meal/ dinner. Loved the mushroom croquette the most out of what we have ordered

  • 5/5 Ashley L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great service. Server recommendation is good. The flavour and acidity for both the duck and porcine musroom dish hit all the right spot. The wine recommended for pairing is equally good. Sorry for the half teared bread and oysters. Too good to resist before a photo. Will definitely visit again when I am back in Melbourne.

  • 5/5 Cristina M. 11 months ago on Google
    The food was amazing! But the portions are rather small and the prices are a bit high so better not to come very hungry👀 We hit the gym before having dinner here and I am starting to think this was not the best idea. Jokes aside, the tortelli was amazing and the john dory was extremely tasty.

  • 4/5 IKM 9 months ago on Google
    12 July 2023 I think the food here is overrated, just mediocre only. Service was excellent. Porcini (Pic 2) and quail (pic 3) were pretty good..

  • 5/5 Anushka C. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely brilliant dining experience today. Everything was exceptionally well done, service and food alike. Top quality Italian food, fresh, delicious and flavoured to perfection. Will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Mark C. 7 months ago on Google
    House made gnocchi with fresh Victorian morels. What more could you want?! Flavours here are punchy and dishes are creative takes on Med classics. Pastas are all amazing and perfectly cooked.

  • 5/5 Ernesto 7 months ago on Google
    Outstanding quality of food from the entree of caviar and eel on thin layer of potato was amazing to the squid ink pasta with soft shell crab or flathead fish on a bed of asparagus, I couldn’t fault the food and service whatsoever. It’s a great place for a quiet night out with loved ones or a larger group with friends. I highly recommend this place if people want to try this amazing Italian restaurant.

  • 5/5 Brigette S. 7 months ago on Google
    A beautiful double birthday celebration was had. The wait staff were amazing, the sommelier looked after us perfectly and was happy to go through the options to best suit our meal. The food was sublime! Oh the red mullet pasta, the octopus, the mushroom...the list of wonders go on! We will definitely be visiting again. One of the best meals these foodies have had in a long time.

  • 3/5 DJ 7 months ago on Google
    We went here for my birthday. It was a great dining adventure with one missing note. From the moment we stepped into the charming restaurant, I knew I was in for a special dining experience. The ambiance was cozy yet sophisticated, setting the stage for an evening that promised to be nothing short of remarkable. As I eagerly perused the menu, my anticipation grew, and soon the dishes began arriving, each beautifully presented and meticulously plated. We ordered: - Kangaroo, polenta, olive, leek - Abrolhos island scallops, sage, artichoke - Stracciatella, mandarin, pistachio, rocket - Spaghettini, red mullet, fermented tomato, sea urchin - Paccheri, pork & rabbit ragu, hazelnut The appetizers were a delight start to the meal. The intricate arrangement of flavors and textures showcased the chef and his team’s creative prowess. The scallop is a personal favourite and I must say, is a work of art! It was cooked to perfection, you can taste the sweetness of the scallops, the sauce provided a refreshing contrast, and the artichoke added a touch of elegance. The main courses continued to impress with their aesthetic appeal. The perfectly seared red mullet glistened under the ambient lighting, and the delicate swirls of sauce adorned the plate like a masterpiece. While the food presentation and service were commendable, the lack of flavor throughout the meal overshadowed these positives. The one crucial element was conspicuously absent: flavor. While the fish was cooked to perfection, it lacked the seasoning and depth that would have elevated it to greatness. The Paccheri, pork & rabbit commanded attention with its succulent appearance and nutty touch. While the pork itself was cooked to perfection, the intensity of its flavour overshadowed the accompanying sauce and side elements. Service and ambiance were commendable, as the attentive staff and cozy atmosphere created an enjoyable dining environment. However, the culinary experience left me with mixed feelings. While I appreciate the focus on quality ingredients, a greater effort to ensure a balanced interplay of flavours would undoubtedly elevate the dining experience. The one missing note, the lack of bold and well-balanced flavors, left me with a sense of longing. A reminder that even the most cherished ingredient should harmonize with the ensemble rather than dominating the stage.

  • 5/5 Liz C. 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely fabulous dining experience. The food so innovative with delightful combining of flavours. Great range of wines. Ambience perfect. Waiting staff extremely professional, friendly and responsive.

  • 2/5 Samantha T. 5 months ago on Google
    Checked out this restaurant because of the good reviews and would agree that it was a restaurant with nice vibes however the dishes were more of a miss than a hit for us. Portions are small and on the pricier side as well. 1. House bread with sage butter 🥖🧈- was fresh and warm however would say it was nothing special 2. Porcini mushroom croquette 🍄 - very flavourful, would say it was a nice starter but would not order again 3. Kangaroo, polenta, olive, leek 🦘 - not very flavourful, polenta was pretty much a Dorito crisp, which some might like?😂 4. Quail, charred carrot, burnt honey 🥕🍯 - the quail itself was fine, but the burnt honey sauce left a very bad aftertaste 5. Squid ink spaghetti, spanner crab, capsicum 🍝 - would say that this was the star of the show that night, al dente spaghetti paired with fresh, sweet crab. However would not say it was the best I have tried. At this point we were all quite disappointed with the dishes which probably dragged down this dish to a lower rating in our books too. Would have left happy if we had only ordered this dish! 6. Nettle gnocchi, white asparagus, parmesan cream, duck egg 🧀🥚 - this was a very interesting dish which reminded me of a lemon tart dessert which is not what we wanted from a main. Again, gnocchi itself was lovely but sauce was not complimentary 7. Heirloom potatoes, goats cheese🥔 - goats cheese overpowered everything else, was a definite miss for all of us We ended up going for a Maccas run and stuffed ourselves with ice cream too so😬

  • 5/5 Karen K. 4 months ago on Google
    One of the best Italian set chef's menu in town 🇮🇹 Took one of my girlfriends here to celebrate her birthday. There's definitely heaps going on in the menu and thought it would be easier to go for the chef's menu since it works out to be okay. Can I just say, this is one of the best chef's menu experience I have had in long while! The porcini mushroom croquette, brocolli cheese, tuna crudo and Wagyu were my highlights 🧡🧡 Also the squid ink pasta was a redemption experience from tipo00 😘 Definitely had a better time here than the time I went to tipo00 with my cheating ex boyfriend. Will come back again and thank you for having us 🥰

  • 2/5 Mary J. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Our waitress was perfect. She was polite, very delightful and informative. The food presentation was simple and elegant. I wish it tasted as good as it looked. We were with relatives who made authentic Italian food for over 40years. They were disappointed.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Val R. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Osteria Ilaria exceeded all our expectations! Such a great experience with fabulous food, wine selection & service in a gorgeous relaxed setting. The potato tarts & the squid ink spaghetti were incredible. We can’t wait to visit again soon. Thanks for a great lunch.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Khanh Z. 5 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    First time dining on a Friday night. Service was spot on, not too much but always attentive, refilling glasses etc. Food came out quickly but we were never rushed. We were there for the full 2 hour booking. More importantly, the food was fantastic. What I'd say is the best mix of fine dining and comfort food. Portions were decent but you didn't leave bloated on carbs either. Every dish was amazing and full of flavour, very well executed and presented. We had the croquettes, potato cakes with the caviar, scallops, tuna, quail, 3 types of pasta dishes, duck and if course all 3 desserts. The desserts sounded adventurous on the menu including peas and beetroot??? But they were the highlight of our meal.There were 4 of us dining, including 2 kids. We were told they have a limited kids menu available but our kids are gourmet and were not there for a bolognaise. I love that they had half bottles of wine available as only 2 of us were drinking.


Call +61 3 9642 2287 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in

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